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  2. DED-R3

DED-R3

PARENTAL LEAVE

(REGULATIONS)

 

 

A teacher who is pregnant may continue to teach and be active in employment as late into her pregnancy as she desires, provided she is able to perform her required duties in a suitable manner.

The request for parental leave should be submitted in writing to the superintendent's office and be accompanied by a doctor's certification of pregnancy. The commencement of parental leave is left to the discretion of the teacher and/or physician and may extend no longer than one semester, ninety (90) teaching days, after delivery.

The teacher is asked to advise the superintendent's office as soon as return to duty is anticipated. In every case, a statement from the attending physician attesting to the physical fitness of the teacher is required. Provisions of sick leave benefits apply to leave if the teacher has available sick leave.

 

The board of education will consider disability because of pregnancy or childbirth in the same manner as any other disability is considered.  Therefore, if an employee desires parental (maternity/paternity) leave, the employee shall so advise the superintendent in writing of her/his intentions; the date the leave is to commence; whether long-term or short-term leave is desired, and the date of return.

 

Long-term leave is an extended leave of absence without pay which does not include or affect regular sick leave.

 

Short-term leave involves the use of regular sick pay and is leave with pay up to the exhaustion of sick leave.

 

   1.       Requests for parental leave must be submitted in writing.

 

   2.       Pregnant employees are required to furnish a doctor's statement as to their physical well-being and ability to continue employment.

 

   3.       Pregnant employees are required to furnish a doctor's statement as to their physical well-being and ability to return to employment following delivery.

 

   4.       Employees may be requested to provide an "intent" statement as to whether or not they intend to return to employment following the birth of the child.

 

 

 

 

REFERENCE:    70 O.S. §6-104.5